This museum was built in memory of Patricia Huffman Smith through the generous donation of her husband, Al Smith.

The museum tells the story of space exploration from the first Columbia mission through its final mission – STS-107 – when it crashed in the Hemphill, Texas area. The museum also honors the crew of Mission STS-107, who lost their lives in the explosion and crash and recognizes the efforts of those whose job was the recovery of the debris.

The museum opened February 1, 2011
The 8th anniversary of Columbia’s crash

While much of the museum is permanent, many items will also be changed from time to time as they are on loan from both NASA and the families of the astronauts of the final Columbia mission.

There is a classroom area and digital learning center with interactive games and learning experiences provided for children. Additionally, it is expected that the learning center will be providing various opportunities for learning for people of all ages.

Stop by the little gift shop area on your way out and get a Cap, T-Shirt, a game of Space Chess, or any of a number of other Columbia and NASA related mementos.